Don´t forget to run your hand over the back of the sofa before buying. A hollow back is indicative of poor construction. You want it to be padded. Do test it out before buying. While you´re in the store sit down, lie down, put your feet up – if you‘re going to be doing it at home you should try it first in the store (within reason). Don‘t forget to measure. Make sure to take note of the width, depthe, height, seat height and arm height.

The frame and all the corners should be well padded. Run your hand over them firmly to see. A padded frame will not stick out through the upholstery, it also means less friction for the fabric that is covering the frame. Check the sofa from behind, and pat the center to make sure it isn't hollow.

A camel back is a traditional sofa back that is shaped much like a camel‘s hump, raised in the middle, and sloping down lower at the ends. It often imparts a formal look. Deep vertical grooves on a tight back are the distinguishing features of a channel back. Loose cushions are separate from the sofa back, as opposed to attached back sofas. This allows for covers to be easily removed for cleaning.